Early Modern Women Artists

In a famous essay first published in 1971, art historian Linda Nochlin posed the provocative question “Why have there been No Great Women Artists?” She answered her query with explanations including the systemic exclusion of women from guilds and art academies, the difficulty women had in studying nudes, and other socio-economic factors. Since then there has been tremendous interest in women artists of the past, including in the early modern era ca. 1400-1700 and far more is known about them than some fifty years ago. This six-week class will examine female artists in Europe during this period. Topics include contemporary attitudes to these women; their artistic training; the obstacles and challenges they faced; the types of art they produced including not only painting and sculpture, but also illuminated manuscripts, prints, embroideries, and lacework; the patrons who supported their work (including other women); and the historiography of how they have been studied. Women artists to be considered include Caterina Vigri, Properzia de’ Rossi, Suor Plautilla Nelli, Sofonisba Anguissola, Diana Mantovana, Lavinia Fontana, Fede Galizia, Giovanna Garzoni, Artemisia Gentileschi, and Elisabetta Sirani (Italy);, Mechelt van Lichtenberg, Katharina van Hemessen, Clara Peeters, Judith Leyster, Michaelina Woutiers, Maria Sybilla Merian, Rachel Ruysch (the Netherlands -- North and South); Susanna Horenbout, Levina Teerlinc (England); Louise Moillon (France); Luisa Roldán (Spain); and Josefa de Óbidos (Portugal).'

Notes

Online registration closes June 4 at 5 pm CT.

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